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Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Among the many fairy tales told to children is that of the changelings - hobgoblins who kidnap human kids and assume their identities. Everyone knows these are only stories - everyone except Henry Day, that is. You see, he was stolen by hobgoblins in 1949 when he was only 7. If you ask Henry, he will tell you changelings exist, and that they pose a much bigger danger than anyone ever imagined.

If I grabbed your attention with that little teaser, run out and grab a copy of Keith Donohue's The Stolen Child. You won't be disappointed in this absorbing tale about a man haunted by his strange past. That man is Henry Day, who begins his story with this shocking admission: "I am a changeling." From there, he spins a wild tale of a young boy who wanders into the woods one day. An ancient band of hobgoblins seizes the child, replacing him with a changeling who resembles him so closely that no one can tell the difference. His parents notice subtle changes in the boy, but nothing that can't be explained away. Having duped the humans, the changeling becomes Henry Day. Yet, he can't quite forget his past. When he meets and marries the beautiful Tess, Henry aches to tell her his secret. Knowing she won't believe him, Henry vows to forget his past and focus on the present. When he spies a hobgoblin sneaking around his home, Henry fears the worst - the changelings have come for his son. Desperate to save his child, Henry forces himself to remember everything, a choice that could destroy the life he has so carefully built. Balancing Henry's story is the tale of Aniday - the child Henry who has now morphed into a hobgoblin. Despite his years in the forest, Aniday cannot quite forget his human beginning. Fractured memories draw him to the people, an obsession that grows dangerous for his dwindling band of hobgoblins. Still, he can't keep himself away. He is determined to know the truth of his past life, determined to discover the identities of the faces that haunt his dreams. His quest takes him to Henry Day, the man who stole his life. As their lives intersect, the two must confront each other and the truths about their troubled pasts.

Unique and engaging, this novel captured me from the first paragraph. It's a magic, absorbing tale that has so many exquisite layers. On one level, it's an engrossing tale of secrets, survival and adventure. On another, it's a powerful allegory about humanity and hidden evils. The writing is incredible - luminous and beautiful. The whole novel is so haunting and real, you'll find yourself locking your windows...just in case.

My mountain of review books grows daily. To see a list of those currently in my possession (physical copies only—e-copies are not listed), click here.

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Black Souls by Nicole Castroman

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Bookin' Around the States

- Alabama

- Alaska

- Arizona (1)

- Arkansas

- California (3)

-Colorado

- Connecticut (1)

- Delaware

- Florida

- Georgia

- Hawaii

- Idaho

- Illinois

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- Missouri (1)

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- *Washington, D.C.

13 / 50 states. 26% done!

2017 Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge

1. A book you choose for the cover—The Secret Ingredient of Wishes by Susan Bishop Crispell2. A book with a reputation for being un-put-down-able—The Missing Hours by Emma Kavanagh3. A book set somewhere you've never been, but would like to visit - The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny4. A book you've already read—Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling5. A juicy memoir—My Story by Elizabeth Smart6. A book about books or reading —The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan7. A book in a genre you usually avoid—Maus by Art Spiegelman8. A book you don't want to admit you're dying to read—Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham9. A book you were excited to buy or borrow but haven't read yet—The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan10. A book about a topic or subject you already love—Trials of the Earth by Mary Mann Hamilton

My Progress:

0 / 10 books. 0% done!

2017 Dystopia Reading Challenge

1. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline2. Wool by Hugh Howey3. The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood4. Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden5. One Second After by William R. Forstchen6. Across the Universe by Beth Revis7. Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky8. Born by Tara Brown9. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir10. Red Rising by Pierce Brown11. Consider by Kristy Acevedo12. Bluescreen by Dan Wells13. Starflight by Melissa Landers14. Frost by M.P. Kozlowsky15. Vicarious by Paula Stokes16. Replica by Lauren Oliver